OBJECTIVE: To investigate the associations between large joint damage and findings on fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) using the "assessment of rheumatoid arthritis by scoring of large joint destruction and healing in radiographic imaging (ARASHI)" scoring system. METHODS: A total of 270 large joints (shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, and ankles) in 27 rheumatoid arthritis patients were assessed. FDG-PET/CT was performed at the initiation of biologics...

INTRODUCTION: Intra-articular injection of corticosteroids (IIC) for treatment of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is increasingly used in Pediatric Rheumatology. OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical course of patients undergoing IIC in our Pediatric Rheumatology Unit. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients with JIA undergoing IIC from January 2008 to December 2012, with a minimum follow-up of six months after the injection...

BACKGROUND: The posterior approaches to the elbow are considered as to allow an excellent joint exposure for total elbow arthroplasty. One complication that is well recognized is the insufficiency of the extensor mechanism in particular with the patients with poor tendon quality as in the rheumatoid diseases. The purpose of this paper is to present a new triceps-splitting exposure for total elbow arthroplasty used in rheumatoid patients with their preliminary results. METHODS: Fifteen consecutive patients with rheumatoid disease at grades III to V of the Larsen grading scale underwent total elbow replacement using the new triceps-splitting exposure called anconeus-triceps lateral flap and it preserves the integrity of the medial proper triceps tendon...

BACKGROUND: Elbow arthroplasty is the treatment of choice for end-stage rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term outcome of a linked semiconstrained elbow arthroplasty implant design in patients with RA. METHODS: Between 1982 and 2006, 461 primary total elbow arthroplasties using the Coonrad-Morrey prosthesis were performed in 387 patients with RA. Fifty-five of the arthroplasties were performed to treat concurrent traumatic or posttraumatic conditions...

INTRODUCTION: Experience with total elbow arthroplasty is scarce in most centers. It seems to have a significant rate of associated complications. Most studies are based on non-validated outcome measures and short-term results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We selected patients undergoing unlinked total elbow arthroplasty, with a resultant sample of thirteen cases, with a mean postoperative follow-up of 72 months. We applied the Mayo Elbow Score and all patients underwent an X-ray study, prior to surgery and during the follow-up period...

INTRODUCTION: Viscosupplementation can improve function in haemophilia patients. Viscosupplementation results can be improved by prior joint lavage and triamcinolone administration. AIM: To objectively assess whether viscosupplementation and associated triamcinolone use in patients with severe haemophilic arthropathy following joint lavage improves force and balance and reduces bleeding events. METHODS: Fourteen patients with haemophilic knee arthritis with and without the involvement of other joints underwent joint lavage and subsequent injections of Hylan G-F20 and triamcinolone into all affected joints...

Neuropathic Arthropathy or Charcot joint is a progressive, destructive arthritis that is associated with an underlying neurological disorder. We present a case of a 30 year-old male who, three years prior, had ruptured his right distal biceps tendon with subsequent development of a deep infection. At representation, the patient's clinical picture was consistent with the re-emergence of a deep elbow infection. Laboratory testing found no evidence of infection. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the patient's spine revealed a syringomyelia and a NA was diagnosed...

Tuberculous arthritis of the elbow joint is rare. A 57-year-old male patient presented with swelling, pain, and redness of the elbow. The symptoms first appeared one month ago; he was given antibiotic treatment after the diagnosis of septic arthritis at another center. The patient who did not improve with treatment was diagnosed with tuberculous arthritis according to the culture and was started on antituberculosis treatment. Tuberculous arthritis usually presents with chronic arthritis. However, it can also present in patients with septic arthritis...

BACKGROUND: Two popular systems for classifying rheumatoid arthritis affecting the elbow are the Larsen and Sharp schemes. To our knowledge, no study has investigated the reliability of these 2 systems. We compared the intraobserver and interobserver agreement of the 2 systems to determine whether one is more reliable than the other. METHODS: The radiographs of 45 patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis affecting the elbow were evaluated. Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were deidentified and distributed to 6 evaluators (4 fellowship-trained upper extremity surgeons and 2 orthopedic trainees)...

Radial head fractures are common injuries, occurring mostly in active young people 85%. Treatment of the more complex radial head fractures (Mason type III and IV), appear to be challenging and remain a subject of controversy. Replacement of the radial head with a metal prosthesis imitates the stabilizing role of the radial head and has been considered as the treatment of choice. However, long-term results are scarce. We report our mid to long-term (mean 9.4 year) clinical and radiographic results after insertion of a Judet Bipolar Radial Head prosthesis...

Dear Editor, the practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine described psoriasis some 2000 years ago (1). Psoriasis vulgaris is a common, chronic inflammatory skin disease whose worldwide prevalence ranges from 0.1-3% (2,3). Understanding the role of the immune system in psoriasis and the interplay between the innate and adaptive immune system has helped to manage this complex disease, which affects patients far beyond the skin changes themselves (2). In addition to the usual and widely accepted methods of treatment of psoriasis, including topical therapies, phototherapy, and conventional and biological systemic therapies, data can be found in the literature that suggest a favorable effect of acupuncture on the course of psoriasis (4,5)...

PURPOSE: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a cause of disability in childhood. Little research exists concerning physical therapy management, and no evidence exists for orthopedic manual physical therapy (OMPT) for JIA. The purpose of this case report is to describe the use of OMPT in combination with therapeutic exercise in the successful treatment of a child with oligoarticular JIA. KEY POINTS: A 6-year-old girl with oligoarticular JIA presented with elbow pain and stiffness interfering with function...

BACKGROUND: The treatment of complex distal humerus fractures is challenging and is often associated with unsatisfactory results. Anatomic reduction and stable internal fixation is difficult to obtain, especially in elderly osteoporotic patients. For these reasons, total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) has recently evolved as a valid procedure in selected cases following these injuries. The aim of this study was to analyze outcomes of TEA for the treatment of complex distal humerus fractures in 20 low-demanding patients over 65 years of age...

BACKGROUND: In the young patient, treatment of post-traumatic elbow arthritis remains difficult. Total elbow arthroplasty must be delayed for as long as possible. Therapy starts with nonoperative treatment. If this fails, operative options can be discussed. TREATMENT AIM: The aim of surgery is to provide a functional range of motion with acceptable pain without obstructing future treatment options. THERAPY: Patients with pain at terminal extension and/or flexion may benefit from arthroscopic or open debridement...

Lameness related to synovial infection needs to be addressed promptly because rapid degradation of the synovial homeostasis results in permanent cartilage alterations detrimental to complete recovery. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs, synovial fluid analysis, and imaging. Commonly affected joints are the fetlock, carpus, tarsus, and stifle; shoulder, elbow, and hip may also be infected. Knowing the source of infection is essential in cases of remote septic arthritis. Antimicrobials should be administered; local delivery systems may be used...

Heel spur is also known as a result of plantar calcaneal bone spur which is a common complaint associated with pain at heel. Heel spur is more common in females. Anti-inflammatory drugs, local steroid injections, physical therapy, low-dose radiotherapy and shock wave therapy are the commonly used treatment choices. There is no evidence that acupuncture is an effective method for heel spur in the literature. However, we know that acupuncture can be used for many orthopaedic diseases like frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, sciatic pain, joint sprains, several forms of bursitis and arthritis...

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to determine prognostic factors affecting the clinical outcome of septic arthritis of the shoulder. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 34 shoulders from 32 patients, two of which had bilateral involvement. Arthroscopic (22 shoulders) or open surgery (12 shoulders) was performed by a single surgeon. The mean follow-up period was 32.4 ± 17.0 months. Clinical outcomes according to the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV) were assessed at the final follow-up period...

BACKGROUND: Few series report the results of total elbow replacement (TER) in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Most report the use of a linked implant. There are theoretical benefits to using an unlinked prosthesis, and thus we report our experience of the clinical benefit and survivorship of both this implant and a linked semiconstrained prosthesis. METHODS: There were 21 elbows replaced in 14 JIA patients (12 women and 2 men; 14 unlinked, 7 linked)...

BACKGROUND: Interposition arthroplasty (IA) is mostly performed in younger patients where total joint replacement is contraindicated and an arthrodesis is unattractive. The outcome and complications of an IA were evaluated. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 18 consecutive cases of interposition arthroplasty (IA) (one case was excluded as a result of incomplete records). Pre- and postoperative pain and function were evaluated. Complications, re-operations and revisions were recorded...